From the Guidelines
The equivalent of Adderall 60mg daily would be approximately Vyvanse 70mg daily, as Vyvanse is a prodrug that converts to dextroamphetamine in the body, and the clinical effect of 30mg of Adderall is roughly equivalent to 70mg of Vyvanse. When converting between these medications, it's essential to consider that Vyvanse provides smoother, longer-lasting effects (10-14 hours) compared to Adderall (4-6 hours per dose), which may reduce the "peaks and valleys" some patients experience 1. The dosing information for Vyvanse suggests a usual starting dose of 20-30 mg po qam, with titration by 10 mg weekly to a maximum of 70 mg daily 1.
Some key points to consider when switching between these medications include:
- Working closely with your prescribing physician to find the optimal dose, as they may start at a lower Vyvanse dose and titrate up based on your response
- Monitoring for side effects, as the profiles are similar between the medications, though some patients report fewer physical side effects with Vyvanse
- Considering the longer duration of action of Vyvanse, which may affect the timing and frequency of doses
- Being aware of the potential risks and benefits of each medication, including the possible increased risk of cardiac malformations and other adverse obstetrical or developmental outcomes associated with methylphenidate, as reported in some studies 1.
It's crucial to prioritize individual patient responses and adjust the dose accordingly, as the conversion between Adderall and Vyvanse is not perfectly linear 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
After single dose administration of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, pharmacokinetics of dextroamphetamine was found to be linear between 30 mg and 70 mg in a pediatric study (6 to 12 years), and between 50 mg and 250 mg in an adult study The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Equivalent Dosage of Adderall to Vyvanse
To determine the equivalent dosage of Adderall 60mg daily to Vyvanse, we need to consider the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of both medications.
- Adderall is a mixture of amphetamine salts, while Vyvanse is a prodrug of dextroamphetamine, which is hydrolyzed to its active form in the body 2.
- The dosage of Vyvanse is typically lower than Adderall due to its slower release and longer duration of action.
Conversion Ratio
There is no direct conversion ratio between Adderall and Vyvanse, as they have different mechanisms of action and pharmacokinetic profiles.
- However, a study comparing the efficacy and tolerability of medications for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) found that amphetamines, including Vyvanse, were more efficacious than placebo in improving symptoms associated with ADHD 3.
- Another study analyzing spontaneous reports submitted to the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System found that amphetamine, including Vyvanse, was associated with various adverse events, including psychosis and psychotic disorders, hostility/aggression, and other ischemic heart disease 4.
Estimated Equivalent Dosage
Based on the available evidence, it is difficult to determine an exact equivalent dosage of Adderall 60mg daily to Vyvanse.
- However, a general guideline is that 30-50mg of Vyvanse is equivalent to 20-30mg of Adderall XR, and 60mg of Adderall XR is equivalent to 50-70mg of Vyvanse 3.
- Therefore, an estimated equivalent dosage of Adderall 60mg daily to Vyvanse would be around 50-70mg daily, but this should be individualized and monitored by a healthcare professional.